New Study Links Long-Term Melatonin Use to Increased Heart Failure Risk
A recent study highlights that adults with insomnia who use melatonin for extended periods face a significantly higher risk of heart failure. Compared to those who do not take melatonin, these individuals also have a much greater likelihood of hospitalization or death within five years.
Melatonin Usage and Heart Health Risks
Melatonin ranks among the most widely used over-the-counter sleep aids in the United States, with nearly six million Americans relying on it to improve sleep duration or ease falling asleep. However, findings presented at the 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions raise concerns about its safety for long-term use.
Study Details and Findings
- Researchers analyzed health records of over 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia who had no prior history of heart failure.
- They compared individuals who had used melatonin for more than one year with those who never used it.
- Long-term melatonin users exhibited approximately a 90% increased chance of developing heart failure within five years.
- Those taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure than nonusers.
International Perspective: United Kingdom
In the UK, melatonin is available only by prescription. Among patients with at least two prescriptions filled 90 days apart, there was still an 82% higher risk of heart failure.
Adults with insomnia who took melatonin for at least a year showed a much higher chance of developing heart failure. Compared to adults who did not use melatonin, they had a significantly greater likelihood of hospitalization or death within five years.
Author's summary: Long-term melatonin use in adults with insomnia is linked to a notably higher risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and mortality within five years, suggesting caution in its prolonged use.